Tea Valley is a simple eatery located at the basement of The Central, Clarke Quay that could be often overlooked by diners due to its small presence amongst the bigger shop fronts. Do not be mislead (like us) by its nondescript appearance as they do serve a rather impressive array of food.

Focusing on Taiwan street snacks as well as hot dishes at affordable prices, diners can satisfy their Taiwanese food craving without breaking the bank. The casual establishment serves a total of 16 mains and 12 snacks paired with a wide range of beverages using high quality Taiwanese tea leaves.

Besides this branch at The Central, there are also other outlets at Chevron House, Downtown East and POMO.

We all love fried food, don’t we? Yes! Yes!

The Fried Plum Sweet Potato ($3.50) and Crispy Salted Chicken ($4.80) were well-executed, showcasing the hallmarks of well-fried food which includes a crispy exterior and moist interior without leaving any greasy feeling on the fingers and lips.

We would have further indulge in treats such as Deep Fried Cuttlefish ($4.80) and Fried Chicken Chop ($4.80) if not for the perpetual struggle with our waistlines.

Moving on to the more substantial mains.

Oyster Mee Sua ($5.50) is considered to be an evergreen staple in Taiwanese street food. The thin wheat noodles had a nice bite to it, smothered in a broth that was of an ideal consistency without being overly gluey. Ooh those plump, fresh oysters are cooked just right. Splash some garlic and vinegar and you are good to go!

However, the rice was tad dry that day. It would have been much better if Taiwanese short-grain rice is used instead for that authentic mouthfeel. Our take is that certain things cannot be compromised despite cost challenges.

3-Cup Chicken ($6.50) or 三杯鸡 is a popular dish which as the name suggest, calls for a traditional recipe consisting of a cup each of soy sauce, rice wine and sesame oil. The dish is simmered till the sauce thickens up and penetrates the chicken chunks completely.

Another equally flavorful dish is the Sesame Chicken ($6.50) which is more soupy and with strong notes of ginger. It reminded us of the comfort of a home-cooked dish.

Both these dishes beg to be accompanied with rice.

The drinks served here ranges from the more common bubble tea selections such as Honeydew Milk Shake ($3) andStrawberry Milk Shake ($3) to the more exquisite Taiwan imported teas such as Lotus Leaf Hawthorn Tea ($4) andMedlar Chrysanthemum Tea ($4).

We tried the Rose Honey Tea ($4) which was a perfect drink to end the night, with scented floral notes sweetened with honey served in insulated tea cups which ensures the tea remains hot while we chit-chatted. Be sure to ask for unlimited refills of hot water when your tea runs out.

Mr Lawrence Lim, director of Tea Valley shared with us his commitment of bringing the extensive flavors of Taiwanese street food at affordable prices to the masses in Singapore. By visiting Tea Valley I truly believe he has fulfilled his commitment.

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